Kevin Turner, Onslow County tax administrator, described the county's revaluation process on Onslow County Today, saying it is "a systematic process" to bring assessed values in line with the current market. Turner said Onslow has followed a four-year cycle since 2010 rather than the eight-year minimum set by state law.

Turner said assessors verify property characteristics through aerial photography, permit records and, when necessary, site visits. "The permits are sent to the tax office through a workflow, and our appraisers go out and visit the properties based on the permit activity," he said, adding that appraisers wear county identification and drive clearly marked Onslow County vehicles.

The tax administrator said the effective date for the new assessed values will be Jan. 1 and that reevaluation notices are expected to be mailed in February. Notices will include the new assessed value and instructions for residents who disagree. "The first phase of the appeal process is really informal, and that involves you communicating directly with appraisers," Turner said. If a property owner remains dissatisfied, Turner said they may file a formal appeal with the Board of Equalization and Review.

Turner urged residents not to wait until they receive their tax bill to appeal. "If you wait till you get your tax bill, you're going to miss that appeal deadline," he said, explaining that missed deadlines can shift the dispute from assessed value to property taxes. He encouraged residents with questions to call the tax office, use the appraisal staff email or visit the county website for contact information.

Turner emphasized customer service and correcting assessments when warranted: "At the end of the day, our goal is to make sure the assessments are correct. If that means we lower a value as the result of an appeal, that's fine."